Pouring spout for container

Abstract

A pouring spout is mounted within an opening in a container. The spout includes an open channel or trough dimensioned for slidable engagement within the opening. The open channel is defined by a u-shaped wall extending between a mounting end and a discharge end. An end wall is formed at the discharge end, adjacent a discharge opening formed in the bottom surface of the u-shaped wall. A visible flow path is formed along the open channel, between the inlet to the discharge opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A pouring spout mountable within an opening in a container, the pouring spout comprising:
 a trough dimensioned for slidable engagement within a spout opening within a container, the trough having a mounting end, a discharge end, and a substantially u-shaped wall extending between the mounting and discharge ends, the u-shaped wall forming an open channel extending along at least a portion of the trough adjacent the discharge end, 
 an end wall formed at the discharge end of the trough, the end wall extending across and closing the open channel formed by the u-shaped wall, 
 a discharge opening formed in the u-shaped wall adjacent the end wall at the discharge end, 
 an inlet opening within the mounting end of the trough, the inlet opening communicating with the open channel formed by the u-shaped wall, wherein a flow path is formed between the inlet opening, the open channel and discharge opening, the flow path being visible within the open channel of the u-shaped wall, and 
 a retainer is formed on the mounting end of the trough, the retainer engaging the spout opening and removably mounting the spout in a projected position with respect to the container, and the contents of the container in communication with the flow path formed by the trough. 
 
     
     
       2. A pouring spout as in  claim 1  wherein the trough is tapered in the direction of the discharge end. 
     
     
       3. A pouring spout as in  claim 1  wherein the retainer comprises one or more backing tabs formed on the mounting end of the spout, the one or more backing tabs formed for engagement with the spout opening within a container. 
     
     
       4. A pouring spout as in  claim 3  further comprising one or more gripping tabs formed on the u-shaped wall of the spout in a spaced relationship with the one or more backing tabs. 
     
     
       5. A pouring spout as in  claim 1  wherein the mounting end is dimensionally formed to create friction fit between the spout and the spout opening in a container. 
     
     
       6. A container and pouring spout combination comprising:
 a container for retaining a quantity of pourable material within a interior chamber, the chamber defined by one or more side walls, a bottom wall and top wall, a container opening formed in one of the walls, the opening having a defined edge, the opening providing access to material stored within the interior chamber; and 
 a pouring spout comprising
 a trough dimensioned for slidable engagement within the container opening, the trough having a mounting end, a discharge end, and a substantially u-shaped wall extending between the mounting and discharge ends, the u-shaped wall forming a channel having an open upper area extending along at least a portion of the trough adjacent the discharge end, 
 an end wall formed at the discharge end of the trough, the end wall extending across and closing the channel formed by the u-shaped wall, 
 a discharge opening formed in the u-shaped wall adjacent the end wall at the discharge end, 
 an inlet opening within the mounting end of the trough, the inlet opening communicating with the open channel formed by the u-shaped wall, wherein a flow path is formed between the inlet opening, the open channel and discharge opening, and 
 a retainer is formed on the mounting end of the spout, the retainer embracing the defined edge of the container opening for movably mounting the spout in a projected position with respect to the container, 
 wherein the material stored within the interior chamber of the container is in communication with the flow path formed by the trough such that the material may be directed from the container opening, through the inlet of the trough, visually along the open channel to the discharge end, and through the discharge opening in the wall of the trough. 
 
 
     
     
       7. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein the trough is tapered in the direction of the discharge end. 
     
     
       8. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein the retainer comprises one or more backing tabs formed on the mounting end of the spout, the one or more backing tabs formed for engagement with the container opening. 
     
     
       9. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 8  further comprising one or more gripping tabs formed on the wall of the spout in a spaced relationship with the one or more backing tabs. 
     
     
       10. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein the mounting end is dimensionally formed to create friction fit between the spout and the container opening. 
     
     
       11. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein an indentation is formed adjacent the container opening, the indentation formed for receipt of the end wall of the spout. 
     
     
       12. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 11  wherein the end wall of the spout is frictionally retained within the indentation in a retracted position for the spout. 
     
     
       13. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein the top wall of the container comprises an opening defined by a projected rim and a cap is provided for removably covering the opening and engaging the projected rim. 
     
     
       14. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 13  wherein the container opening for mounting the spout is formed in the cap. 
     
     
       15. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 6  wherein the top wall of the container comprises an opening for filling the container and a cap removably covering the opening. 
     
     
       16. A container and pouring spout combination as in  claim 15  wherein the container opening for mounting the spout is formed in the top wall, separate from the filling opening.